Missile launcher apparatus

Abstract

A missile launcher for use on a surface vessel includes an array of vertical sleeves each being of a size to receive a missile carrying container. The sleeves are maintained in a linear array by means of a series of frames and the lower, or breech, ends of the sleeves are collectively connected to a plenum into which water is injected during a hot launch of a missile. A selected one of the sleeves does not carry a missile but rather, functions as an exhaust or gas take up for the exhaust gases of the other missiles.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. Missile launcher apparatus, comprising: (A) an array of sleeves each having a muzzle end and a breech end;   (B) means for maintaining said sleeves fixed in said array;   (C) a plenum collectively connected to the breech ends of said sleeves in said array;   (D) said sleeves being of a size to accommodate a missile carrying container, from which a missile can be launched, said launching producing exhaust gases directed into said plenum;   (E) a selected one of said sleeves being adapted to conduct said exhaust gases within said plenum out through the muzzle end of said selected sleeve; and   (F) means for cooling said plenum during a launch of said missile.   
     
     
       2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: (A) said means for maintaining includes a plurality of frames, each surrounding said sleeves of said array.   
     
     
       3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein: (A) one of said plurality of frames is located at said muzzle ends of said sleeves.   
     
     
       4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein: (A) another one of said plurality of frames is located at said breech ends of said sleeves.   
     
     
       5. Apparatus according to claim 1 which includes: (A) an insert positioned within said selected sleeve.   
     
     
       6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein: (A) said insert is removable.   
     
     
       7. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: (A) said sleeves have side walls; and   (B) said side walls include a plurality of cutouts, thereby reducing the weight of said sleeve and allowing access to the interior thereof.   
     
     
       8. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: (A) said array is a linear array.   
     
     
       9. Apparatus according to claim 1 which includes: (A) a respective hatch door positioned at the muzzle end of each said sleeve.   
     
     
       10. Apparatus according to claim 9 which includes: (A) a hatch door assembly unit containing all of the hatch doors for said sleeves.   
     
     
       11. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: (A) said means for cooling is a water injection system.   
     
     
       12. Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein: (A) said array is installed on a surface vessel having a deck and a foundation below said deck in the interior of said vessel;   (B) said hatch door assembly unit is adjacent said deck; and   (C) said plenum is adjacent said foundation.   
     
     
       13. Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein: (A) said plenum includes a plurality of cleats; and   (B) said cleats are secured to said foundation.